Syrah with Stephen Pohlman

Park City, UT
Tasted Friday, February 25, 2011 by Eric with 572 views

Introduction

In my second annual trip to Park City, I had dinner with Stephen Pohlman. The theme this year was American Syrah. We drank pretty well...

Flight 1 (3 Notes)

  • 2004 Carlisle Syrah Judge Family Vineyard Bennett Valley 94 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley

    Massively ripe and confected nose with grilled plums and an intense, almost overripe edge. The palate is much more civilized, a touch sweet, powerful, well structured, with deep and powerful black fruit. The finish is a touch drying. The continued to improve all night with more air. A delicious wine and clearly the 'biggest' of the night.

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  • 2001 Sine Qua Non Midnight Oil 92 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast

    Cool, reserved, wonderfully floral with some nice smokey and gunpowder elements as well. The palate is surprisingly lithe, and we surmised that in a ripe lineup of 2003 and 2005 Northern Rhones this might sneak in pretty well. A very suave and polished palate, bright acidity, red fruit on black. This was such a beast as a youngster, but it has really shed a lot of fruit with age. A very nice wine but a pale shadow of a 2002 JFTLOI that I had last Spring.

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  • 2007 Sine Qua Non Syrah Labels 97 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast

    I had one of these nearly on release and was a bit underwhelmed. At the time I had only given it an hour of air. This bottle was double-decanted about eight hours before service, and it was screamingly good. A big, boisterous nose of smoke and pepper and meat and blood, all of the Syrah food groups for sure! The only element that detracts is a touch of heat but far from over. The palate is black and burly, still showing some oak, but this is so irresistible and delicious with stunning balance. My favorite of the night.

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